Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine agricultural cooperative’s leadership style
among farmers in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. One hundred
and twenty cooperative farmers were randomly selected from different cooperative societies
across villages of six political wards in the study area. Data were collected using structure
questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and chi square analysis were used to analyse the data
collected for the study. Results of the findings showed that majority (65.0%) of the cooperative
farmers interviewed were male, adult/primary education (56.7%), farm size of 1-2 hectares
(49.2%), and 4 -7 years of farming experience (30.0%). Saving schedule among most (35.8%)
of the respondents was monthly while 40% also indicated N100 - N500 was their saving per
schedule. Results further revealed that majority (54.2%) indicates that appointment of leaders
was by selection. Qualities mostly considered for selection include self-confidence (70%) and
intelligence (69.2%). Democratic and transitional leadership styles were mostly practiced as
indicated by majority 41.7% and 18.0% respectively. Chi square analysis showed that age and
educational status were significantly related to leadership style at p <0.05 level of
significance. The study concludes that democratic leadership style was mostly practiced
among farmer’s cooperative societies. Leaders are selected on the basis of intelligence, age
and educational status. The study recommends that government and other relevant agencies
should intensify effect to create awareness to cooperative farmers in the study area about
leadership roles, qualities expected and the importance of leadership style to the success of
their various agricultural cooperatives.